Young Christians in Chudleigh have been demonstrating the love they have for their home town with acts of kindness towards others.

Thirteen churchgoers got together to organise a two-day We Love Chudleigh event last week, believed to be the first of its kind in the district.

It was inspired by a similar initiative that has taken place in Exmouth for several years.

Wearing distinctive T-shirts, the Chudleigh youngsters offered to pay for people's car parking, washed windscreens, picked up litter and even offered free chocolate.

There was also a visit to the residents of the Orchard House sheltered housing complex, something which many said was a highlight.

The project was supported by the congregations at Chudleigh's two churches, baptist and parish. Donations of small change to pay for the car parking amounted to £50 and a call for wrapped chocolate was well met.

One of the organisers, 15-year-old South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, student Naomi Allen, said: 'My dad, who is a lay preacher, led one of our services and showed us a DVD of what happened in Exmouth.

'It inspired me to do something similar here. Generally the reaction was really positive and if anybody refused we just gave them a smile and a card if they wanted it. It was a brilliant two days. We all enjoyed being able to serve the community and show that young people can make a positive contribution.

'It was hard work, but we would love to do it again.'

Youth worker Jess Harrison said: 'This was a great opportunity for young people to work together for the benefit of the town. We wanted to try and demonstrate the love that God has for the people of the town in a practical way.'

The event ended with an informal celebratory service at the parish church.